When do you need an Arborist?

Glenn Broadbent • November 17, 2022

What’s the difference between an Arborist and a Tree Surgeon?

What is an arborist

When your trees or hedges need some care and attention, hiring a professional is the only way to be sure of getting the best results.

We are often asked "what the difference is between a tree surgeon and an arborist" and "which one I should use for my garden".

Although they are slightly different professions, the terms tree surgeon and arborist are pretty much interchangeable.


To put it simply, a tree surgeon know where to cut a tree, an arborist know why.


Arborists study trees at a biological level and know how to keep them safe and healthy.

A good, qualified tree surgeon will still have extensive knowledge of how to treat trees, but tend to focus more on the specific work required.

An important difference between an arborist and a tree surgeon is their qualification level.

Tree surgery is complex and dangerous work, and therefore a tree surgeon should be qualified.

An arborist must have qualifications in arboriculture. An arborist can even be educated up to masters degree level.

To ensure that you are receiving a truly professional service, always check the level of qualification your tree surgeon or arborist holds.

arborist examining a tree

When Do I Need An Arborist?

A qualified and experienced arborist will:

  • help you understand the health of a tree.
  • advise what is required to keep a tree healthy.
  • help bring a damaged tree back to full health.
  • be able to fully assess trees and hedges.
  • examine the soil they are planted in.
  • recommend any work required.


Engaging a fully qualified arborist is also very important when performing any commercial work. Many Local Council planning regulations require that an arborist is consulted to assess trees in the vicinity of building or demolition works.

Tree Surgeon at work

When Do I Need A Tree Surgeon?

An experienced and qualified tree surgeon will help you with any tree or hedge work you need in your garden. Regardless of the height and location of the work required, a qualified and fully trained tree surgeon will know how to undertake the work safely. They will be experienced in all aspects of tree work, including crown reduction, thinning, crown raising, tree removal, and stump removal.

An experienced tree surgeon will have the right equipment and will know how to use it safely.

The Reality is, YOU NEED BOTH.

To successfully undertake any tree work, you need both an arborist and a tree surgeon to work together. Your arborist will understand the health of the tree and what is required to ensure the long term health of the tree. The tree surgeon will provide the expertise necessary to ensure that work on the tree is performed safely and effectively. The arborist and tree surgeon working together will ensure your garden will looks great, and your trees and hedges will be healthy well into the future.

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